Study Permits

The study permit is a document we issue that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada.

You can come to Canada to study if you

• qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller
  • If you’re under 18, you don’t have to be fully vaccinated. You do need to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.
• are enrolled at a DLI
• prove you have enough money to pay for
  • your tuition fees
  • living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
  • return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
• obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
• are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and
• prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires
• If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream

Student Direct Stream

Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). IRCC try to process most SDS applications within 20 calendar days. However, some applications may take longer.

To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must:

• be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • India
  • Morocco
  • Pakistan
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Senegal
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Vietnam
• have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
• live outside of Canada when you apply
• have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study
• have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000
• have a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
  • This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec
• get a medical exam before you apply (if you need one)
• get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one)
• have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
• have a language test result that shows either:
  • an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening), or
  • a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)  score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening)

Depending on where you’re applying from, you may also need to provide other documents. Make sure you include all the documents required by the visa office that processes your application.

Post Graduation Work Permit

The post-graduation work permit allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Note: Work obtained through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program may help support your application to become a permanent resident of Canada.

Skilled Canadian work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B that is gained through the PGWP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry.

Spouse or Common-Law Partner Open Work Permit

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you’re:

• a spouse of a skilled worker in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0, A or B
  • The skilled worker must be authorized to work for at least 6 months after you apply for your work permit.
• a spouse of someone accepted for the Atlantic Immigration Program in a job under NOC 0, A, B or C
• a spouse of a foreign student at a public post-secondary school, such as a college or university or collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec
• a family member of a foreign representative, or
• a family member of a foreign military member who is working in Canada